The celebration took place in the wake of events related to the effort to remove Donald Sterling as owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and which led to the resignation of the chapter’s former President.

Wesson welcomed and congratulated the chapter’s new President, Minnie Hadley-Hempstead, and urged her and the membership to take inspiration from one of the founders of the original founders of the Los Angeles Chapter, Dr. John Somerville. Dr. Somerville successfully overcame many challenges. And in 1928, he went on to build the Hotel Somerville, now known as the legendary Dunbar Hotel.

“As a community, we stand on the shoulders of Dr. Somerville and the Los Angeles Chapter of the NAACP,” said Wesson. “Because of your achievements, your contributions, and your sacrifices, our community stands much higher.”